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"You're looking kind of thoughtful," he remarked as they started off. "Did the old

guy say anything more?"

Tuppence opened her mouth impulsively, and then shut it again. Sir James's

words sounded in her ears: "Never tell all you know--not even to the person you

know best." And like a flash there came into her mind another memory. Julius

before the safe in the flat, her own question and the pause before his reply,

"Nothing." Was there really nothing? Or had he found something he wished to

keep to himself? If he could make a reservation, so could she.

"Nothing particular," she replied.

She felt rather than saw Julius throw a sideways glance at her.

Say, shall we go for a spin in the park?"

If you like."

For a while they ran on under the trees in silence. It was a beautiful day. The

keen rush through the air brought a new exhilaration to Tuppence.

"Say, Miss Tuppence, do you think I'm ever going to find Jane?"

Julius spoke in a discouraged voice. The mood was so alien to him that Tuppence

turned and stared at him in surprise. He nodded.

That's so. I'm getting down and out over the business. Sir James to-day hadn't

got any hope at all, I could see that. I don't like him--we don't gee together

somehow--but he's pretty cute, and I guess he wouldn't quit if there was any

chance of success--now, would he?"

Tuppence felt rather uncomfortable, but clinging to her belief that Julius also had

withheld something from her, she remained firm.

He suggested advertising for the nurse," she reminded him.

"Yes, with a 'forlorn hope' flavour to his voice! No--I'm about fed up. I've half a

mind to go back to the States right away."

"Oh no!" cried Tuppence. "We've got to find Tommy."

133

The Secret Adversary